News
Germany trade mission offers new possibilities for Alabama firms
Team Alabama’s first overseas trade mission in over three years successfully connected a diverse group of growth-minded state companies with counterparts in Germany, potentially setting the stage for new opportunities and partnerships. Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the five Alabama companies on the mission operate in fields including the life…
Amazon teams with Tuskegee University for advanced training programs
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Tuskegee University has a new partnership with Amazon that will establish advanced training programs in mechatronics, robotics, supply chain management and logistics operations for students at the Macon County institution. Amazon donated $1.2 million to fund the programs, which will also include scholarships and set up a pipeline for leadership roles at…
Commerce to lead Alabama trade mission to German business hub
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading a delegation of Alabama business leaders on a trade mission to Germany this week, resuming the strategic trips to overseas commercial hubs that have helped state-based companies explore new markets and partnership opportunities. The journey to Munich and nearby Augsburg is the Alabama Department of Commerce’s…
German state celebrates ties to Commerce with partnership award
An organization promoting economic ties to the German state of Niedersachsen recognized the Alabama Department of Commerce as its “Outstanding Economic Development Partner of the Year” at an international trade show in Chicago. The award from Invest in Niedersachsen reflects Commerce’s strategic efforts to build close relationships with companies and business organizations throughout Europe but…
Alabama joins top states in publication’s new site selectors survey
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — A national economic development publication reports that site-selection professionals it surveyed have again ranked Alabama among the top states for business, citing a broad range of factors contributing to a fertile growth environment. Area Development says Alabama ranks No. 6 overall in its 2022 “Top States for Doing Business” analysis, the same…
Companies to invest $92 million in Alabama Wiregrass growth projects
DOTHAN, Alabama — Houston County officials say infrastructure improvements will allow two growing businesses to make new capital investments totaling a combined $92 million in Dothan as part of projects that will create at least 70 jobs and provide a boost to the region’s forestry industry. SmartLam North America, a maker of cross laminated timber…
Gateway Tire growing in Dothan with $9 million expansion project
DOTHAN, Alabama — Gateway Tire announced plans today to invest $9 million to expand its distribution hub in Dothan through a growth project that will create 30 jobs at the Houston County facility. The project will add 100,000 square feet to Gateway Tire’s existing 200,000-square-foot warehouse, built in Westgate Industrial Park beginning in 2017. The…
Ecore plans Alabama manufacturing facility with $25 million project
OZARK, Alabama — Ecore International plans to invest $25.5 million to open a state-of-the-art manufacturing and recycling facility in the Southeast Alabama city of Ozark, where it will create 84 jobs, according to Governor Kay Ivey. Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Ecore specializes in transforming reclaimed materials into high-performance flooring and surface products. The privately held company is…
Mercedes-Benz launches EV production in Alabama as new chapter begins
VANCE, Alabama — Mercedes-Benz has launched production of the all-electric luxury EQS SUV at its Tuscaloosa County plant, part of a global strategy of next-generation technology that is ushering in a new era for Alabama’s auto industry. Mercedes has invested $7 billion in the state since it arrived in the early 1990s, and Alabama workers…
Canfor to invest $210 million in new Alabama sawmill complex
MOBILE, Alabama — Canfor Southern Pine Inc. plans to invest $210 million to develop a new state-of-the-art sawmill complex for manufacturing and processing wood products in the Axis community near Mobile. “We are excited to be making this investment in a new state-of-the-art sawmill complex that will be built with next-generation, innovative technology and transform…